draaimotief

Draaimotief is a term used in Dutch-language literary and film criticism to describe a motif that operates by turning or rotating around a central issue, clue, or identity. Rather than following a straight, chronological progression, a draaimotief shifts the perspective, revisits earlier scenes, or reframes information so that what was previously understood is altered when viewed from a new angle. The result is a sense of circular motion in the narrative, often accompanied by a twist or reevaluation of prior events.

Etymology: the word combines draaien, meaning to turn, with motief, meaning motif. It conveys both physical rotation and a figurative turning in meaning.

In practice, a draaimotief can appear in literature, film, and visual media. Common implementations include non-linear chronology, nested or cyclical flashbacks, perspective shifts among characters, or the deliberate reintroduction of clues in a way that recasts their significance. The device supports themes such as unreliable narration, hidden identities, or the instability of truth.

Relation to other concepts: it is related to but distinct from a simple plot twist or a linear flashback. It emphasizes the act of turning rather than the mere revelation. It can be used alongside other devices, such as red herrings or leitmotifs, to deepen ambiguity.

See also: plot device, twist, leitmotif, circular narrative, unreliable narrator.